I haven't participated in months but decided it's time to participate
again. I get a number of books that come in that I don't get to right
away but deserve to be recognized on the blog so that is what I plan on
doing.
This was one of my big weeks as several of my major publishers came through with a lot of their offerings for the next few months. This is not a normal week at all, but it is a week that has me very excited for my summer reading! Tell me which one you are most interested in for a chance to win one of these books! (US/Canada only, ends 7/4/2011, book may be shipped later) The ARC tour books are not part of the giveaway, sorry.
For Review:
How to Seduce a Scoundrel by Vicky Dreiling
(new-to-me-author)
From Grand Central Publishing
Miss Julianne Gatewick is in a pickle. It started when her brother's best friend-for whom she's long nursed a secret
tendre-agreed
to act as her guardian for the Season, only to seduce her with a risqué
waltz. But when the music stopped and the expectant
ton waited
for Marc Darcett, Earl of Hawkfield, to claim her as his own, he made
his disinterest clear. Rather than succumb to humiliation, Julianne does
what any self-respecting, recently discarded young miss with a wicked
sense of humor would do. She secretly pens a lady's guide to enticing
unrepentant rakes . . . and it becomes the hottest scandal sheet in
London.
Every honorable rake knows that friends' sisters are
forbidden. But suddenly Julienne has a spark of mischief in her eyes
that Hawk can't resist. Try as he might to push her away, he spends his
days listening for her laughter and his nights dreaming of kissing her
senseless. He's always avoided innocents and their marriage-minded
mothers, but has the man least likely to wed finally met his match?
Tamed by a Highlander by Paula Quinn
(familiar with her work but haven't read her before)
From Grand Central Publishing
A LOVER'S PROMISE
Connor Grant left his first love in
the Highlands, vowing to return after serving in the king's army. Seven
years later, he is still fighting for the crown, and his victories are
legendary-both in the battlefield and in the bedroom. Yet he's never
forgotten his bonnie lass. And he certainly never expected to see her
amidst the splendor of the British royal court: beautiful, breathtaking,
and tempting him past the point of no return.
A LADY'S DESTINY
The
night he left, Mairi MacGregor banished Connor from her life forever.
Now her heart belongs only to Scotland. As part of a secret alliance,
she journeys to London in search of information . . . only to find
herself face to face with the one man she swore she'd never trust again.
Though Mairi's body still craves Connor's touch, she can't forgive his
betrayal. But a traitor lurks in their midst and to protect her beloved
Highlands, Mairi must make a leap of faith and join forces with
Connor-even if it means losing her heart to him again.
Dark Awakening by Kendra Leigh Castle
(new-to-me-author)
From Grand Central Publishing
Enter the world of the Dark Dynasties . . .
For
centuries, shapeshifting vampire Tynan MacGillivray has prowled the
night as an outcast, valued only for his ferocious hunting skills. When a
feud among the immortals escalates into all-out war, he is ordered by
his ruthless queen to locate a Seer-a human woman with a special
gift-who can secure victory for their clan. Ty's search leads him to a
quiet New England town, but once he has the Seer in his grasp, her touch
awakens within him a hunger like he's never known . . .
Lily
Quinn has always been different. Since childhood, she's had vivid
nightmares and an eerie sixth sense. When a sexy, silver-eyed stranger
demands her help, Lily plunges into a new world of danger and
sensuality. With Ty, she discovers sizzling passions she cannot deny and
powers she cannot control. Soon, it is clear that Lily is much more
than a Seer-she holds the key to ancient secrets and unthinkable
destruction. But will a vampire's vow of eternal protection stop these
evil forces . . . or unleash her dark destiny?
Everything Beautiful Began After by Simon Van Booy
From Harper Collins
Rebecca is young, lost, and beautiful. A gifted artist, she seeks
solace and inspiration in the Mediterranean heat of Athens—trying to
understand who she is and how she can love without fear.
George
has come to Athens to learn ancient languages after growing up in New
England boarding schools and Ivy League colleges. He has no close
relationships with anyone and spends his days hunched over books or
wandering the city in a drunken stupor.
Henry is in Athens to
dig. An accomplished young archaeologist, he devotedly uncovers the
city’s past as a way to escape his own, which holds a secret that not
even his doting parents can talk about.
...And then, with a
series of chance meetings, Rebecca, George, and Henry are suddenly in
flight, their lives brighter and clearer than ever, as they fall
headlong into a summer that will forever define them in the decades to
come.
Savor the Danger by Lori Foster
From Meryl L. Moss Media Relations
She may be aloof, and more pretty than gorgeous, but Alani Rivers is
the kind of woman a hot-blooded mercenary can't forget, no matter how
hard he tries. So when Jackson Savor wakes up next to the naked,
sleeping beauty—with no memory of what happened— he knows he's been
drugged…even if Alani doesn't.
After she was kidnapped, Alani vowed
never to trust another man again. Still, something about this strong,
sexy hero with the tender touch makes her want to believe him. As
Jackson hunts down a mysterious intruder, he swears he'll move heaven
and earth to keep Alani safe. But what really happened that
night? And will the truth bring them closer than they ever thought
possible—or put Alani squarely in harm's way again?
County Line by Bill Cameron
FSB Associates
When the steadfast Ruby Jane Whittaker drops out of sight, dogged ex-cop
Skin Kadash sets out to discover what drove the woman he loves to leave
her life behind so suddenly and without explanation.
The discovery of a dead man in Ruby Jane's apartment and an attack by a mysterious stalker send Skin from Portland to California--and into a charged encounter with her one-time live Peter McKrall.
As questions mount and answers grow increasingly out of reach, Skin and Peter cross the country on a desperate journey deep into Ruby Jane's haunted past--and toward an explosive confrontation which will decide if any of them has a future.
Witch Song by Amber Argyle
from Rhemalda Publishing (through BLB tours)
The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the
winds to the shifting of the seasons-but not anymore. All the Witches
are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of
their songs fades, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for
Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop
the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch
has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if
Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.
Maria Juana's Gift by T. Lloyd Winetsky
From PR by the Book
Set during America's Bicentennial celebration in 1976, MARIA JUANA'S
GIFT tells the story of Jake and Tina, a young teaching couple fighting
for the survival of their infant daughter born on the U.S./Mexico
border.
The baby appears healthy to Jake and the unconcerned
staff at the small hospital, but Tina and a custodian/nurse's helper
named Maria believe the child is ill. Maria's lowly status and lack of
English cause the medical staff to dismiss her concerns. After the women
convince Jake that something is wrong, he begins a frantic effort to
secure medical attention for the baby.
How far will they go to
fight the system in order to save their daughter? Although MARIA JUANA'S
GIFT is a fictional account of preventable human medical error, the
novel draws its passion from real events. Its theme approaches the very
core of inhumanity but also celebrates the gratitude that the young
couple has for the "gift" they believe will stay with them for the rest
of their lives.
Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers
Tor Teen
Luc Cain was born and raised in Hell, but he isn’t feeling as demonic as
usual lately—thanks to Frannie Cavanaugh and the unique power she never
realized she had. But you can’t desert Hell without consequences, and
suddenly Frannie and Luc find themselves targeted by the same demons who
used to be Luc’s allies.
Left with few options, Frannie and Luc
accept the protection of Heaven and one of its most powerful angels,
Gabe. Unfortunately, Luc isn’t the only one affected by Frannie, and it
isn’t long before Gabe realizes that being around her is too…tempting.
Rather than risk losing his wings, he leaves Frannie and Luc under the
protection of her recently-acquired guardian angel.
Which would
be fine, but Gabe is barely out the door before an assortment of demons
appears—and they’re not leaving without dragging Luc back to Hell with
them. Hell won’t give up and Heaven won’t give in. Frannie’s guardian
exercises all the power he has to keep them away, but the demons are
willing to hurt anyone close to Frannie in order to get what they want.
It will take everything she has and then some to stay out of Hell’s
grasp.
And not everyone will get out of it alive.
Betrayal of Trust by J.A. Jance - Harper Collins
From Harper Collins
Seattle investigator J. P. Beaumont uncovers a dark and deadly
conspiracy that reaches deep into the halls of state government, in this
latest thriller from
New York Times bestselling author J. A. Jance
At first glance, the video appears to be showing a childish game: a
teenage girl with dark wavy hair smiles for the camera, a blue scarf
tied around her neck. All of a sudden things turn murderous, and the
girl ends up dead.
It’s as bad as a snuff film can get, and
what’s worse, the clip has been discovered on a phone that belongs to
the grandson of Washington State’s governor. However, the boy, who has a
troubled background, swears that he’s never seen the victim before.
Fortunately, the governor is able to turn to an old friend, J. P.
Beaumont, for help. The Seattle private investigator has witnessed many
horrific acts over the years, but this one ranks near the top. Even more
shocking is that the crime’s multiple perpetrators could be minors.
Along with Mel Soames, his partner in life as well as on the job,
Beaumont soon determines that what initially appears to be a childish
prank gone wrong has much deeper implications. But Mel and Beau must
follow this path of corruption to its very end, before more innocent
young lives are lost.
Overbite by Meg Cabot
From Harper Collins
Meena Harper has a special gift, but it’s only now that anyone’s
ever appreciated it. The Palatine Guard—a powerful secret demon-hunting
unit of the Vatican—has hired her to work at their new branch in Lower
Manhattan. With Meena’s ability to predict how everyone she meets will
die, the Palatine finally has a chance against the undead.
Sure, her ex-boyfriend was Lucien Antonescu, son of Dracula, the prince
of darkness. But that was before he (and their relationship) went up in
flames. Now Meena’s sworn off vampires for good . . . at least until
she can prove her theory that just because they’ve lost their souls
doesn’t mean demons have lost the ability to love.
Meena knows
convincing her co-workers—including her partner, Über-demon-hunter
Alaric Wulf—that vampires can be redeemed won’t be easy . . . especially
when a deadly new threat seems to be endangering not just lives of the
Palatine, but Meena’s friends and family as well.
But Meena
isn’t the Palatine’s only hope. Father Henrique—aka Padre Caliente—New
York City’s youngest, most charming priest, has also been assigned to
the case.
So why doesn’t Meena—or Alaric—trust him?
As
she begins unraveling the truth, Meena finds her loyalties tested, her
true feelings laid bare . . . and temptations she never even imagined
existed impossible to resist.
This time, Meena may finally have bitten off more than she can chew.
Killer Move by Michael Marshall
From Harper Collins
Stephen King hailed Michael Marshall's novel
Straw Men as “a
masterpiece . . . brilliantly written and scary as hell.” Now, Marshall
returns with this latest unnerving tale—a creepy, fast-paced thriller
that grips you from the first page straight through to its shocking end.
Bill Moore already has a lot, but he wants more . . . much more.
He's got a lucrative job selling condos in the Florida Keys, a
successful wife, a good marriage, a beautiful house. He also has a
five-year plan for supersuccess, but that plan has begun to drag into
its sixth year without reaping its intended rewards. So now Bill's
starting to mix it up—just a little—to accelerate his way into the
future that he knows he deserves.
Then one morning Bill arrives
at work to find a card waiting for him, with no indication who it's
from or why it was sent. Its message is just one word: modified.
From that moment on, Bill's life begins to change.
At first, nothing seems very different. But when things begin to unwind
rapidly, and one after another, people around Bill start to die, it
becomes increasingly clear that someone somewhere has a very different
plan for Bill's future. Confused and angry, Bill begins to fight against
this unseen force until he comes to a terrifying, inescapable
realization: Once modified, there's no going back.
Blood of the Reich by William Dietrich
From Harper Collins
In
Blood of the Reich, critically acclaimed and bestselling
author William Dietrich weaves two stories separated by place and time
yet deeply intertwined by the dangerous secret they share.
On
the eve of World War II, explorer Kurt Raeder receives orders from
ReichsfÜhrer-SS Heinrich Himmler to set out from Berlin in search of a
legendary energy source hidden among the mountains of Tibet—one that
could bring victory to the Nazis. Only one man can stop Raeder and his
team of SS officers: wealthy American zoologist Benjamin Hood. Together
with aviatrix Beth Calloway, he must race to the Buddhist kingdom before
the tides of history run red with blood.
Decades later, in
present-day Seattle, software publicist Rominy Pickett is saved from
certain death by a mysterious journalist who claims to know the truth
about her family. Rominy’s history and courage hold the key to
defeating, once and for all, the evil forces again on the rise.
Moving from the remote woods of the Pacific Northwest to the
underground laboratories of the CERN supercollider in France and
Switzerland and to the mystical temples of Tibet, Blood of the Reich
is a white-knuckle thrill ride filled with adventure, authentic
historical detail, and unforgettable characters.
This is William
Dietrich at his very best.
The Woodcutter by Reginald Hill
From Harper Collins
Wolf Hadda’s life has been a fairy tale. From his humble origins as a
Cumbrian woodcutter’s son, he has risen to become a hugely successful
entrepreneur, happily married to the woman of his dreams.
A
knock on the door one morning ends it all. Universally reviled, thrown
into prison while protesting his innocence, abandoned by friends and
family, Wolf retreats into silence. Seven years later, prison
psychiatrist Alva Ozigbo makes a breakthrough. Wolf begins to talk, and
under her guidance he is paroled, returning to his family home in rural
Cumbria.
But there was a mysterious period in Wolf’s youth when
he disappeared from home and was known to his employers as the
Woodcutter. And now the Woodcutter is back, looking for the truth—and
revenge. Can Alva intervene before his pursuit of vengeance takes him to
a place from which he can never come back?
The Woodcutter
is a treat that both lovers of the Dalziel and Pascoe series and
newcomers to the always masterful work of Reginald Hill will devour.
The Sixes by Kate White
From Harper Collins
From the
New York Times bestselling author of
Hush and
the Bailey Weggins mystery series comes a thriller set in a college
town where a student’s death sends one woman on a search for the truth
and into the clutches of a frightening secret society.
Phoebe
Hall’s Manhattan life has suddenly begun to unravel. Right after her
long-term boyfriend breaks off their relationship, she’s falsely accused
of plagiarizing her latest bestselling celebrity biography. Looking for
a quiet place to put her life back together, Phoebe jumps at the offer
to teach in a sleepy Pennsylvania town at a small private college run by
her former boarding school roommate and close friend, Glenda Johns.
But behind the campus’s quiet cafÉs and leafy maple trees lie evil
happenings. The body of a female student washes up on the banks of a
nearby river, and disturbing revelations begin to surface: accusations
from coeds about abuses wrought by a secret society of girls on campus
known as The Sixes.. To help Glenda, Phoebe embarks on a search for
clues—a quest that soon raises painful memories of her own boarding
school days years ago.
As the investigation heats up, Phoebe
unexpectedly finds herself falling for the school’s handsome psychology
professor, Duncan Shaw. But when nasty pranks turn into deadly threats,
Phoebe realizes she’s in the middle of a real-life nightmare, not
knowing whom she can trust and if she will even survive.
Plunging deeper into danger with every step, Phoebe knows she’s close to
unmasking a killer. But with truth comes a terrifying revelation: your
darkest secrets can still be uncovered . . . and starting over may be a
crime punishable by death.
This Beautiful Life
From Harper Collins
When the Bergamots move from a comfortable upstate college town to
New York City, they’re not quite sure how they’ll adapt—or what to make
of the strange new world of well-to-do Manhattan. Soon, though, Richard
is consumed by his executive role at a large New York university, and
Liz, who has traded in her academic career to oversee the lives of their
children, is hectically ferrying young Coco around town.
Fifteen-year-old Jake is gratefully taken into the fold by a group of friends at Wildwood, an elite private school.
But the upper-class cocoon in which they have enveloped themselves is
ripped apart when Jake wakes up one morning after an unchaperoned party
and finds an email in his in-box from an eighth-grade admirer. Attached
is a sexually explicit video she has made for him. Shocked, stunned,
maybe a little proud, and scared—a jumble of adolescent emotion—he
forwards the video to a friend, who then for-wards it to a friend.
Within hours, it’s gone viral, all over the school, the city, the world.
The ensuing scandal threatens to shatter the Bergamots’ sense
of security and identity, and, ultimately, their happiness. They are a
good family faced with bad choices, and how they choose to react,
individually and at one another’s behest, places everything they hold
dear in jeopardy.
This Beautiful Life is a devastating
exploration of the blurring boundaries of privacy and the fragility of
self, a clear-eyed portrait of modern life that will have readers
debating their assumptions about family, morality, and the sacrifices
and choices we make in the name of love.
ARC Tours:
Dead Rules by Randy Russell
From Teen Book Scene
Till death
Jana Webster and Michael Haynes were in love. They were destined to be together forever.
Do
But Jana's destiny was fatally flawed. And now she's in Dead School,
where Mars Dreamcote lurks in the back of the classroom, with his
beguiling blue eyes, mysterious smile, and irresistibly warm touch.
Us
Michael and Jana were incomplete without each other. There was no room
for Mars in Jana's life—or death—story. Jana was sure Michael would rush
to her side soon.
Part
But things aren't going
according to Jana's plan. So Jana decides to do whatever it takes to
make her dreams come true—no matter what rules she has to break.
The Detention Club by David Yoo
From Teen Book Scene
Detention
The best worst thing to happen to Peter Lee?
Peter and his best friend, Drew, used to be so cool (or, at least, not
total outcasts) in elementary school. But now they're in middle school,
where their extensive mica collection and prowess at kickball have
earned them a new label: losers. Then Peter attracts the unwanted
attention of the school bullies, and his plan to become popular through
his older sister, the practically perfect Sunny, backfires.
Things go from bad to worse when Peter gets detention. But what at first
seems to spell his utter doom turns into an unlikely opportunity for
making friends and influencing people. . . .
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